by the mud when dry; and not from any liking or inclination for uncleanness, particularly as no animal is more careful to have its bed clean and dry, than the pig.— Rennie.

THE ELEPHANT.

Why does the elephant move differently from the horse? Because, without reckoning the joint which unites the hoof, the horse has three bones in the leg-the elephant has two. Thus the horse moves with an elastic pace, while the elephant has a grave or stiff progression; and this want of elasticity renders it disagreeable to ride on him for any distance. The peculiarity of his movement is generally attributed to the weight of the elephant's body, which, in some instances, is upwards of 5000lbs.

Why is the elephant one of the safest beasts of burden? Because its step is so sure that it never stumbles, even on the worst roads.

Why is the elephant the natural inhabitant of rich plains, where vegetation attains its utmost luxuriance? Because of the simple construction of his stomach and intestines, which require frequent supplies; of the great quantity of food which he consumes for his ordinary support; of the waste which is necessarily produced by the weight and bulk of his body; and of the conformation by which he is fitted to move on level ground.

Why are more cells filled with air in the skull of the elephant than in other animals?

Because the surface may be increased for the attachment of those large muscles which belong to the lower jaw, proboscis, and neck of the elephant, and the mechanical power of these muscles, may be augmented by removing their attachments further from the centre of motion. These air-cells do not increase the weight of the head; a precaution especially necessary in this instance, as the head is

more heavy and massy in this than in any other animal. — Lib. Ent. Knowledge.

Why are the scent and hearing of the elephant remarkably acute?

Because, living in troops, but often dispersed for food, they may gather together without difficulty. Elephants are known to discover a tiger-track by the smell.

Why does not the elephant smell with his trunk?

Because the passage of any liquid through the canals of the trunk would not accord with the delicacy of the lining of the nostrils in the head. Thus man is in pain when any liquid enters the nose; and, in like manner the sense of smell does not exist in the nostrils of those animals that are constantly using them as a passage for water, as the whale. The sense of smell in the elephant is confined to that part of the nostrils which is enclosed in the bones of the head. - Cuvier.

Why does the elephant throw up his trunk when attacked by the tiger?

Because it may be as far as possible out of reach, and if the trunk be once scratched by the tiger, the elephant becomes ungovernable.

Why does the trunk of the elephant seize upon large and small objects with equal certainty?

Because the muscles of the trunk, which are nearly 40,000, have the power of distinct motion. - Cuvier.

Why, in crossing rivers, is the elephant safe when his body is completely immersed in water?

Because it is only necessary for him to bring the tip of his trunk to the surface, so as to breath the external air.

Why are the elephant's tusks now brought to Europe, of smaller size than formerly?

Because herds of elephants are scarce in the present day, and those which are found are unsparingly hunted for their ivory; so that probably few elephants live the natural term of their life.

Why are the tusks of the elephant teeth, and not horns, as was once supposed?

Because, although ivory, they are formed like other teeth by successive secretions from a pulpy root. The tusk does not adhere to this root, but is held in its socket as a nail is held in a plank, by the elasticity of the parts alone.

Why are the tusks of an elephant an uncertain standard for estimating his size?

Because the tusks grow throughout the life of the animal, and the body does not,

Why are the teeth of the elephant renewed when they are worn out?

Because he may masticate not only a larger quantity of food than other animals, but through a long series of years.--"The teeth of the elephant last a century if the animal were to grow to double its present size, there is a provision for the continuance of the teeth; but as soon as the growth of the jaw is arrested, the succession of the teeth is arrested also, which fixes the duration of the animal's life.- Sir E. Home. Why does the elephant sleep in a standing position, against a tree?

Because his tusks furnish him with support, and placing them against the tree, he relieves the weight which his head carries, and enjoys a partial repose with tolerable ease.

Why is the elephant a peaceable animal?

Because he subsists upon vegetable food, and therefore has neither the desire to destroy life, which characterizes the carnivorous animals, nor the means of gratifying such a desire.

Why is the elephant sometimes white?

Because it is an Albino: that is, an animal made white by disease.

Why is the general use of elephants forbidden at and near Calcutta?

PART II.

4*

Because they might occasion frequent accidents by frightening horses. Heber.

Why is the white elephant part of the royal train at Ava?

Because the court and people would consider it as peculiarly inauspicious to want one of these animals; and the more there are, the more perfect is the kingly office considered. Craufurd's Travels. Why has the elephant superstitiously been considered a religious animal?

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Because of an exaggerated notion of the animal's sagacity.

Why has the employment of the elephant been discontinued in modern warfare?

Because of his terror of fire-arms, which makes him unmanageable, and destructive of both friends and foes.

Why does the elephant appear more sagacious than he really is ?

Because the facial line, or the vertical height of the skull, when compared with its horizontal length, is elevated by causes which have no connexion with the volume of the brain.

Why is the elephant proud of his trappings?

Because he is accustomed to wear them upon pompous ceremonials, where he receives impressions in unison with the parade of the scene.

Why is the elephant employed in hunting the tiger in India ?

Because of his delicate scent, his strength to make way through the thickest covers, his sagacity, and especially his great stature, by which the hunter is lifted out of danger.

HIPPOPOTAMUS.

Why is the ivory tusk of the Hippopotamus preferred for artificial teeth?